ShortStory I Worthwhile Suspense (II)

WORTHWHILE SUSPENSE (II)

        When they got to the premises of their final destination after about an hour’s drive, the apparently 42-year-old driver Mr. Ketu applied the brakes without much ado.

       “Please, excuse us.” the boss Mr. Sule Ibrahim instructed Mr. Ketu while seated firmly in his seat.

       “Okay sir.” concurred Mr. Ketu, opened his door and stepped out.

        At this time Mr. Gbenga Adeniyi was deeply perplexed, though from all indications he was aware of where they were, thus wasn’t in need of any clarification.

        “Do you know where we are?” the boss asked the moment the driver excused them.

        “Yes sir.”

        “Where are we?”

        “The newest branch of our company.”

          He got it right. That was the newest chapter of FranCok Brewery situated in Kogi State, the neighbouring state to where the parent body of the firm was established.

          “Beautiful!” Mr. Ibrahim enthused, looking strongly into his eyes. “Have you been here before?”

          “No sir.”

          “In other words, this is your first time?”

          “Yes sir.”

          “Alright.” quoth Mr. Ibrahim. “Do you know why we are here?”

          “If I say yes, then I am a liar.” Gbenga replied. “I wouldn’t know, sir.” He added in a jiffy.

           Mr. Ibrahim was pleased over the intelligent manner in which he answered the question. “Do you wish to know?” he said.

         “Definitely, sir.” quoth Gbenga, felt like defecating in his seat but summoned courage afterwards.

         “I know you would say I have stressed you so much.” Mr. Ibrahim thought aloud cheerfully, facing him.

         “No sir,” Gbenga refuted. “I am always at your service.”

         Mr. Ibrahim was marveled that he could tender such a response despite all the inconveniences he had caused him so far. “Sure?” he verified.

        “Yes sir.” he frantically replied. “After all, life is all about challenges.” He added.

         The last remark struck the feelings of the boss, thus he became deeply impressed. He looked at him, nodding. “Please, join me.” he urged, attempted to step out. “Let’s take a walk.” He said, eventually stepped out and jammed the car door.

         Gbenga followed suit, although deeply perturbed over what the next line of action entailed. He kept asking himself why the Human Resources Manager (HRM) decided to place him on such rigorous mental test on the first day of the weekdays being Monday. As Mr. Sule Ibrahim led the walk towards the main building of the entire firm, he (Gbenga) didn’t stop looking around the overall premises as he keenly observed each of the staff that passed by, tendering a resounding salutation to the HRM.

        “Gbenga.” the boss called.

        “Yes sir.”

        “Come up, come up.” He enjoined, asking him to walk hand-in-hand with him.

        Immediately, Gbenga doubled his steps and started walking right beside the 47-year-old boss. They were like a father and his son; the same complexion, stature and almost same height. Both were in corporate attire, although the former was in English whilst the latter was in native.

       As they walk passed each of the offices on their way, the workers equally observed them with keen interest. They were eager to know the identity of the lad who was worthy to walk hand-in-hand with the ‘almighty’ HRM. Every staff in the establishment came through the HRM, thus Mr. Ibrahim’s identity was well known. “Who could this be?” one of the female staff named Jennifer whispered to her colleague Ukot of same gender, as they were seated in their office.

       “Maybe he is one of the newest staff.” Ukot thought aloud.

       “Newest staff?” echoed Jennifer.

       “Yes.” quoth Ukot. “Can’t you see, he is new and fresh?”

         Jennifer nodded. “Who knows the department he would be placed under?” she soliloquized, though to the hearing of Ukot.

         Both of them were in the marketing department, and were Masters’ degree holders in Management Science. They were the founding staff of the branch, which was set up about one year back; suffice it to say that they were Gbenga’s senior colleagues. In terms of qualification, they were also his senior because the man in question only had a first degree in Economics to his credit, though he was aspiring to return to school for a post graduate programme as soon as possible.

        “Maybe Production.” Ukot responded.

        “Why do you think so?”

        “Nothing,” said Ukot. “I just think the Production Department needs more hands.”

        “How?”

        “Of course, there are still few personnel in the department.” She observed.

        “Okay ooh..” exclaimed Jennifer.

         In a few seconds time, Mr. Ibrahim kept one of the offices open with one of the keys in his hand, walked in alongside Gbenga.

         It was a well designed, decorated and furnished office. It was conspicuously lacking virtually nothing; needless to assert that it was befitting. An executive chair was sited right before the well-decorated table found in it.

        Mr. Ibrahim calmly sat on one of the seats sited directly opposite the executive one, and instructed Gbenga to sit on the latter which was meant for the host.

        “Sir, you mean I should sit there?” he verified, pointing at the seat in question.

        “Yes,” quoth Mr. Ibrahim. “Go and sit there.”

        “Why, if I may ask?”

        “Because, it is your seat.”

        “My seat..?” asked Gbenga, confused. “How, sir?”

        “Yes,” replied the HRM. “Henceforth, you shall be sitting on this seat.” He informed, gesticulating.

        “I still don’t understand, sir.”

        Before he could finish, the boss dipped his hand in one of his trousers’ pockets, brought out an enveloped letter and stretched it toward him. “Congratulations, Mr. Gbenga Adeniyi,” he exclaimed as he extend the white envelop. “You are now the Marketing Manager of this branch.” He notified eventually.

        “Waow…!” the 34-year-old Gbenga managed to exclaim, received the envelop, opened it hurriedly, and therein discovered that he wasn’t mistakenly informed.

        Immediately, the HRM quickly brought out a bunch of keys from his pocket, equally handed it over to him. “This is your car keys,” he informed as he stretched out his hand. “Your driver as well as the car is waiting for you outside.” He added, smiling heavily.

        “Oh my God..!!” Gbenga shouted, became astonished, couldn’t even bothered sitting on the executive seat as requested.

        “Once again,” quoth Mr. Ibrahim. “On behalf of the Management, I say congratulations.”

         Gbenga hastily walked to him and hugged him tightly and passionately. “Thank you very much, sir.” He appreciated, gushed out tears of joy uncontrollably.

        “You deserve it, my dear.” the boss enthused.

          The drama continued afterwards, so keep a date with us same time next week!

FDN NWAOZOR

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Opinion I That Unscheduled Meeting of Imo Political Juggernauts

THAT UNSCHEDULED MEETING OF IMO POLITICAL JUGGERNAUTS

        

The last time I checked painstakingly, the elite and the masses had no meeting point. The scenario has existed unabated ab initio, precisely from the moment of the world’s commencement. I stand to be corrected though, but the gospel truth remains that there are two major classes of people on this mother earth, namely: the upper class and the lower class.

         

In view of the above assertion, the so-called middle class might be opportune to meet with the higher (upper) class in a few occasions. In the same vein, the lower class is usually privileged to meet with those of the middle class. But it is often rare to witness an occasion whereby the lower class is having a meeting with the upper class unless in a situation in which the latter wishes to address the former. It’s noteworthy that the masses constitute the lower class.

         

This abrupt analysis of mine is informed by what transpired two weeks ago in Imo State, the Eastern Heartland. During the period in review, the governor of the state in the person of Chief Rochas Okorocha reportedly met, albeit inadvertently, with some cultural and political elites from the state at a burial ceremony that took place in Nkwerre Local Government Area (LGA). It was the burial of Late Chief Amobi Nwachukwu, a brother to the revered Justice Iheme Nwosu.

         

In that event, the governor was spotted cracking jokes with some perceived critics of the ongoing Rescue Mission Administration having found himself in their midst unannounced. The persons in question whom were mainly staunch members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) as well as purported affiliates of the said political party, included the Senator representing Imo West Senatorial District Chief Hope Uzodinma, the state’s Chairman of the PDP Chief Nnamdi Anyaehie, and the dethroned Traditional Ruler of Obinugu Autonomous Community in Orlu Dr. Cletus Ilomuanya, among others.

        

While in the house lounge where the select persons were hosted, it seemed Governor Okorocha was standing alone because he was apparently the only faithful of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) amid the gathering that comprised mainly the PDP faithful, if not some of his aides who were present at the arena. As their stay lasted, the members of the unplanned meeting including the governor, cracked both costly and trivial jokes intensely to their delight coupled with that (the delight) of their respective aides present at the enclosed venue.

        

When the news got to my desk, I kept laughing inwards; hence, told myself that it was a sign of lesson cum warning to their teeming followers, particularly the masses among them. It’s no longer news that each time these political gladiators disagree on certain political issues, you would see their followers in their numbers constituting nuisance on our major roads, all in the name of defending their role models or ‘masters’.

         

In some quarters, you would find these uninformed followers engaging in nagging or physical combat just to settle a difference that emanated from their uncalled argument. It is indeed shameful that in most cases, they go extra mile creating enmity among themselves. Funnily enough, the men whom they fight on their behalf might be unaware of the disagreement existing between them; in other words, these politicians may not know that some able-bodied men, and perhaps women, out there are endangering their lives for their sake.

        

It’s arguably high time the masses understood that our politicians are bound to disagree to agree. I have disclosed it for the umpteenth time that most times they deliberately create a scene just to attract awareness or people’s attention. The worst thing that would happen to a politician is to found him/herself in a state of oblivion, thus they could employ any means towards ensuring that their personalities remain relevant in any society they belong to.

         

Who on earth would believe, even in a dream, that Gov. Okorocha would be spotted cracking jokes with Dr. Ilomuanya? Any sane and rational mind in the state is of the notion that the aforementioned persons are currently enemies and could never sit together at an arena let alone creating a scene for laughter. It is even mind-boggling to acknowledge that these individuals can settle their differences at anytime and anywhere, in the absence of their teeming followers who refused to be convinced that the ‘men at the top’ are just creating scenes for fun.

        

Yes, they would invariably settle in the absence of their followers because you would hardly witness an occasion where the two classes are seated at the same spot or seen discussing issues like man-to-man. And, all these are ostensibly to the detriment of the masses. It is surely at the expense of the followers because if reconciliation eventually took place between the warring politicians/elites, the masses would remain enemies among themselves, thereby continue to overheat the polity.

         

If only we would be reasonable for once, we would comprehend that, social wise, the elite and the masses are not unlike two parallel lines that have no meeting point. Against this backdrop, the latter aren’t required to drink Panadol for the headache of the former. They know the best and apt drug to take for their headache, so leave them alone. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

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Opinion I Still on 2017 World Press Freedom Day

PROMOTING THE PRESS’ IMPACT ON NATION-BUILDING AS THE 2017 WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY IS MARKED ON WEDNESDAY MAY 3

        

          

May 3 each year is observed as the World Press Freedom Day. The World Press Freedom Day was approved by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in December 1993 following the recommendation of the General Assembly of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The Day is an opportunity to celebrate the fundamental principles of press freedom, assess the state of press freedom throughout the world, defend the media from attacks on their independence, and among all, pay tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the line of duty.

          

The Press can be described as the news media and agencies collectively, especially newspapers and magazines. In the same vein, freedom of the Press or the Press freedom is the freedom the press workers or personnel have to communicate and express their views through the media including print and electronic. While such freedom mostly implies the absence of interference from an overreaching state, its preservation may be sought through constitutional or other legal protections.

          

With respect to government information, any government may distinguish the materials that are meant to be public from the ones to be protected based on classification of the information as sensitive, secret, and being otherwise protected from disclosure due to its relevance to protecting the national interest. Many governments are also subject to sunshine laws or freedom of information legislation that are used to define the ambit of national interest.

          

The United Nations’ 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference as well as impart information and ideas through any media regardless of frontiers”. This philosophy is usually accompanied by legislation ensuring various degrees of freedom such as freedom of scientific research known as ‘scientific freedom’, publishing, press and printing. The concept of freedom of speech is often covered by the same laws as freedom of the press thereby giving equal treatment to both spoken and published expressions.

          

Undoubtedly, the impact of the press on nation building cannot be overemphasized. It is noteworthy that, the current socio-political, ethnic and religious intolerance in Nigeria can best be addressed by giving the press a free role not only in presentation of reportage but educating the entire citizenry on the need to embrace absolute tolerance irrespective of their respective affiliations.

         

The ongoing Boko-Haram terrorism in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region of the country, coupled with the current crisis occasioned by herdsmen cannot be properly approached or tackled without involving the press. In this aspect, the press would enable the citizens and other concerned or affected groups to know what is at stake as well as what is expected of them at any given time.

          

Of course, it is the press that would enable the general public to acknowledge the anticipated dimension of the said anomalies. Creating awareness and awakening the consciousness of the populace in this regard or in a situation of such cannot be compromised, and suchlike measure cannot be achieved without the effort of the press.

        

Considering the just concluded elections in Nigeria, we would agree to the obvious fact that the role of the press throughout the exercise was not just enormous, but unquantifiable. It was the press that enabled both the security operatives and the general public to know where and when there was any form of pandemonium or security threat as the case might be as well as the nature of the incident. Among all, the press created an avenue for transparency as long as the polls lasted which led to a credible, peaceful and successful exercise.

          

Inter alia, as regards the activities of the political office holders or public officers at large, the press has helped tremendously to fight bribery and corruption that is often exhibited by the said personnel. It is the press that enables the people to be fully aware of the steps being taken by the government towards addressing any issue or anomaly alongside the respective efforts of each of the government functionaries. Similarly, the contribution of critics in national development or good governance through presentation of constructive criticism cannot be effective without the press.

          

As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the World Press Freedom Day, there is need for all concerned authorities and groups in the country to safeguard the Freedom of Information (FOI) law that is aimed towards restructuring the Nigerian democratic system. On the other hand, there’s equally an urgent need for the release of all the journalists and media personnel across the globe that are being detained unjustly by the police or any law enforcement agency.

           

More so, the governments at all levels ought to stop further arrest and intimidation of activists whom they perceive as critics of their negative political agenda or mission. Suffice it to say; the press ought to be given a thorough free role in reporting and seeking solution to issues that may threaten the peace and unity of our great country Nigeria.

         

On their part, the members of the media must at all times concentrate on objective or unbiased reportage; hence, they are expected to think beyond their individual interest in any circumstance they find themselves. In view of this, no member of the press should in any occasion or on any ground publish any news/story without embarking on thorough and adequate investigation. In other words, investigative reporting is expected to be the watchword of every pressman. Think about it!

FDN Nwaozor

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